There are too many variable to evaluate when trying to determine the range of a wireless router. Range is not the only important aspect of wireless as well. Throughput is also critical. None the less if we have a simple objective we can make some useful range estimates.  The objective we have is to create a wireless environment with acceptable internet speeds of 10 Mb/sec. Read the rest of this entry »

Image-Based Backup

A disk image backup is basically a backup of your whole hard drive. The basic idea is for backup software to use low-level disk I/O to just copy all the bits on your hard disk to another disk, without any particular regard for concepts like files. When you have a backup image, there’s no question of accidentally forgetting to backup a particular file,  if it was on the hard disk, then it got backed up. Due to the lost cost of both internal storage and Network attached storage (NAS) there is no reason not to image every server and workstation on your network. Read the rest of this entry »

Internet Service Providers (ISP’s) are really difficult to deal with. Not many business want to disrupt their operations so long as their service is reliable.  I think this is a mistake, especially if you do not have access to low cost high speed broadband.  Optimum from Cablevision and FIOS from Verizon are great bargains, and if you have them you probably don’t need to read further. Read the rest of this entry »

We are now convinced that a firewall and anti virus software is not enough to protect even small networks.  The number of random attacks on the networks we manage is growing, threatening to compromise private information, or disable network functionality.  We recommend closing most or all external ports and only allowing access through an encrypted VPN tunnel. In addition it is necessary to upgrade from a standard firewall to a security device that provides anti-virus, anti spy-ware, content filtering and protection from other vulnerabilities using deep packet inspection. Read the rest of this entry »

Micro-Point, with a long history in IP technologies and Network Security, is implementing Digital IP Cameras systems.  These systems are revolutionizing video surveillance.

It is time for small and mid-sized business to consider installing an IP camera security system. It’s just not that expensive or complicated anymore.  The latest software is revolutionizing video surveillance.  We now have smart software: Motion triggers, which can tell cameras to track objects; software which can discriminate between a human form and other objects (thus reducing false alarms); applications which link video surveillance to safety systems, so that the surveillance system could call the fire department or help turn on sprinklers. Read the rest of this entry »

Google Voice and Gizmo5 allow you to receive phones calls using your internet connection and your PC or Bluetooth headset.  I thought this would be a better way to use my phone where I get poor cell phone reception yet have an excellent internet connection. Read the rest of this entry »

Micro-Point uses Vembu StorGrid at our data center for off-site backups.  It is a critical application that we used to ensure the safety of our Clients information.  It’s flexibility allows us to control costs and keeps multiple copies of mission critical data.  Using it’s unique peer-to-peer (P2P) mode this application can be used to create a local backup, data that you backup to a resource on your network. Read the rest of this entry »

Open DNS is a free DNS (Domain Name Server) service which makes internet browsing safer.  This is an idea solution for home users or schools.  OpenDNS filters out Web page requests at the domain name system (DNS) level.  By default most Internet users use their ISP’s DNS servers for this task.

OpenDNS requires no downloading or installing software, you simply choose OpenDNS DNS servers instead of those assigned by your ISP.  Read the rest of this entry »

KeePass is a free open-source cross-platform password manager.

Years ago I gave up on trying to memorize all of my online accounts,  that is once I learned how to use KeePass.  This is the best Password application I have found, and since it’s cross-platform, you can use it in Windows, Ubuntu, Linux, MacOS X, J2ME (Cell Phones), Blackberry, Windows Mobile etc… Read the rest of this entry »

As a developer I am fanatical about my computers, I spend way too much time testing software and hardware. So when I needed to update my antivirus software, I did my usual research and found that Kapersky and BitDefender are usually rated amongst the best available choices. The most popular antivirus software is usually bloated with extra features so I rule them out. Over time I have used most Antivirus/Antispam software programs and just because one package was good last year, does not make it the obvious choice today.

I chose BitDefender and used it for about a month. Read the rest of this entry »